September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and columnist Justice B. Hill writes about the importance of early detection — especially for Black men, who are disproportionately impacted by the disease.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It was frightful news, because I had been so conscientious about my annual physical exams. I started getting them at 32 when I lived in Detroit. I had no particular reason to do so, and I knew no other Black men who scheduled physicals on the regular.

I’ve always listened to my physicians — all of them. I say all because switching jobs meant I had to switch physicians. Each would wade deep into my family’s medical history and then underscore the importance of prostate exams.

I followed their advice.

In the spring of 2012, my physician performed one of those intrusive digital rectal exams. Afterward, he voiced concern and ordered a biopsy.

Source: How early detection of prostate cancer saved my life — and could save yours: Justice B. Hill